"Down" Command

Start from a solid sit if your dog already has one — it's an easier launching point than from standing. Use small, soft treats, work on a comfortable surface, and keep sessions to 5 minutes or fewer.

With your dog sitting, hold a treat at their nose and lower it slowly straight down to the floor between their front paws, then slide it slightly forward. Following the treat down and forward naturally pulls their body into a lying position. Let them work it out at their own pace rather than pushing on their shoulders.

The instant their belly touches the floor, say "yes" or click, then treat. If they only lower their front half or stand back up right away, wait for the full down before marking — rewarding a partial down teaches a partial down.

Once the lure reliably gets a full down, start saying "down" right before you begin the hand motion. Repeat this pairing over several sessions so your dog connects the word to the movement, not just the treat.

Try the word alone with an empty hand making the same downward motion, rewarding from your other hand or a pocket after they lie down. If they don't respond, go back to the visible treat for a few more reps before trying again.

Practice down from a stand as well as from a sit, since dogs often treat these as two different skills at first. Once it's solid in a quiet room, practice in slightly busier spots so the behavior holds up outside of ideal conditions.

Down is usually a little slower to click than sit, especially for dogs who find lying down in front of people a vulnerable position. Extra patience here, without pushing on their body to speed it up, pays off in a dog who lies down willingly rather than reluctantly.